Kolkata Rolls

This blog will be short. A close friend suddenly told me that I am yet to write a blog on Kolkata Rolls. She was right, this thing did not even come to my mind. 

When it is about Kolkata Rolls, I have few preferences and I am not really a fan of all those places which tops the list of most of the Kolkata-people. For example : Nizam's. I am sure Nizam was the best at one point but not anymore. I am not a kind of person who would go to Nizam's for a Kati Roll. The kebabs are still good but not the roll, which is drenched in oil. If I am paying for a roll, I would not pay it for Nizam's and I am sick and tired of listening to stories of nostalgia and hearing that everything that was good during 1970-1980 's is still the best. Visiting these kind of places once in a while is still fine but calling it to be the best during 2023, is foolishness.

Coming to the point, there are places of mine for a roll.
Kusum's and Hot Kati Rolls on Park Street, Kolkata are my favorites. These two are known to all. However, I would write about these two in a different way.

If you're someone who likes the paratha to be on the softer side,  Hot Kati Rolls will make it for you. Kusum's, on the other hand, make the paratha a bit flaky, a bit on the harder side since it is purely a Lachha paratha. I am someone on a softer-side and that is why you would find me visiting Hot Kati Rolls more than Kusum's. The kebabs that are used at Hot Kati Rolls is smaller in size than that of Kusum's. The variety is more at Kusum's definitely. People go to Hot Kati Rolls if they want a simple Egg Roll, Egg Chicken Roll or a Chicken Roll. But, at Kusum's, rolls with mutton liver, cheese versions and all are also available beside the regular ones. I am not a fan of adding everything and anything in a roll, hence Hot Kati Rolls serves my purpose.

If I have to rate a simple Egg-Chicken Roll, I would give Hot Kati Rolls a rating of 4/5 because I like the paratha to be soft. For Kusum's, it is 3.5/5. This is a personal preference of any individual and it does not go as per the traditional recipe and process of making a roll. 

A simple Egg-Chicken Roll at Hot Kati Rolls comes with the paratha softly fried with an egg, small but 6 pieces of chicken kebabs, onions, chilies, lemon and a masala topping. Sauce is added only if you want. 

In Frame :  Egg - Chicken Roll from Hot Kati Rolls and Kusum's

Coming to other favorites and not an option from Park Street, I simply adore a Chicken Tikia Roll from Bedouin at Gariahat. This is my childhood favorite and anyone who is from South Point School, will be able to relate to this.

This Chicken Tikia Roll is prepared with fried tikia chops which is crushed and put into the roll, added with chopped onions, capsicums and chilies, a masala sprinkled on the top, a bit of lemon is squeezed also and handed over to the customer. Not really a fan of the other rolls from here but definitely try the Chicken Tikia Roll every time. Here, the paratha is much like Kusum's, a typical lachha one but a drier one. But again, the size is huge and one is enough for a quick evening snack. Just at 40 INR.

People do try other varieties here like the Fish Roll and all however, the best-selling item is the Tikia Roll and they do end up preparing more than 500 rolls in a day. Of course, then comes the Egg Roll or the Chicken Roll.

I do remember getting a treat from my mother from this place if I get good marks in any exam during the school days. Of course, getting good marks was a very rare thing for me and hence, the rolls too.
It was not because of my studies but because my father used to like their Tikia Rolls, we used to have it once we are done with the shopping from Gariahat. I remember, the rolls used to less than 20 INR during that time.

SPECIAL MENTIONS :

I generally do not like Rolls which are not the "usual" ones.
However, I found out another type of Roll called "Murgh Pahari Tikka Roll" from Imarat, a Biryani shop on Lake Road. This specific roll is prepared with a Tandoori Roti and not with a Paratha. Inside, you will find chunks of soft Chicken Tikka, topped with onions and their special green chutney. The roll is soft and it tastes heaven. The person who asked me to write this specific blog  from Kolkata tasted the roll and was immediately blown away. You can check out my small review on this roll here. This is a must-try if you are willing to try a different kind of roll. 

Another roll which I must write about is the one that Gopal Da prepares. Gopal Da or Gopal Da'r Dokan is our local shop at Golf Club Road and perhaps, the first snacks bar of our local gang.
If you know Atalanta Club at Tollygunge, you can go and ask anyone and he/she will let you know where this snack shop is. You will not find it on Google Maps or anywhere but the roll is a mighty one.
I still stick to the plain and simple Egg Roll or an Egg-Chicken one, but Rahul would come down to Kolkata and will have a "customized" one which will have egg-chicken-mutton and what not! This type is not even mentioned on the menu but we get a special treatment. It won't be a sin if I mention this Roll as "Rahul's Roll". It is a mandatory to gorge on this Roll every year during the Durga Puja. That roll is a gem, trust me. I am sure each and every locality or para of Kolkata will have their special "dokan" or "shop" for all these items. Gopal Da is such!

Note : Another shop which I love is Anamika Roll Center at New Alipore, however it is been long that I haven't visited this place and I am not sure how the quality is, nowadays. The last time I had a roll from Anamika was during 2017. This is also a similar kind of shop like Gopal Da's, a small cart-like, local snacks bar but famous for the rolls. You can check out the location here. I will visit soon and update this blog with a review and a snap.

What is your favorite place to have a roll? Let me know in the comment section. This is one street-food which makes Kolkata look like "Kolkata" and I can gorge on one or two at any time. 

Coming back real soon with a new blog!

In the interim, you might be interested to follow my Instagram handle or my Facebook Profile. Feel free to leave a honest feedback too, it will take less than a minute!

Note : 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘/𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕.

Email - foodiedibyajit@gmail.com

Blog and Image Courtesy : Foodie Dibyajit

A South-Kolkata cabin called Cafe

Cabins at South Kolkata are very rare. You won't get much options except Sanguvalley at Bhowanipore and one more inside Gariahat Market, the name of which is forgotten by me at this point.

For Cabins of Kolkata, people will run to North Kolkata.

Just at Hazra Moore, there is a cabin called Cafe. Not sure, if they had the same name earlier too but if they are using this name since 1937 (that’s when they started operating), I feel it’s very innovative. I do not think ‘cafe’ is a word which was used so frequently during that time, at least at Calcutta.

For the exact location, click here

The cabin will welcome you with a touch of old Calcutta (I like to call this!), with wooden windows and doors, chairs and benches, the typical marble-top tables. The menu board is not very big and I think it is there since the beginning, except the prices getting updated.

The place is supervised by the current owner who is around 70 years old and customers are handled by two waiters who will bring everything you order with a smile on their face.

I took a seat and ordered a Chicken Fry. Needless to say, this is a must-try of mine if I am visiting any cabins. The order came on the table within the next five minutes, freshly fried in between. I would not say that the taste is out of this world but it is not bad either. I quite liked it. I checked the other tables shamelessly and found that the highest-selling items at this place are Fish Fry, Kobiraji (both Mutton and Chicken), Mutton/Chicken Stew with Bread Toasts. Now, I am done with my Chicken Fry and it is time to order the most famous dish of this place – Pudding.

This pudding is not the usual one that we have at home but it is tasty, loaded with nuts and raisins and topped with a foam-like caramel. Definitely, the super-star of this place! Check the snaps below :

After these two items, I was willing to try a fish item too. I eyed on their Fish Roll but I had no one to share the roll with and on top of that, I had a Fish Roll just few days back from Campari at Gariahat and I wanted that taste to remain for few more days. There is always a next time and then, I will try their fish items.

Coming to the quality and the size/quantity of the items, it’s good. However, the price could have been a little less! My bill was 210 INR (130 INR for the Chicken Fry and 80 INR for the Pudding) but here, the Chicken and the Mutton dishes cost the same. For example : You will get Chicken/Mutton Stew for 200 INR. Similarly, be it a Chicken Kabiraji or a Fish Kabiraji, the price is 160 INR.

However, I feel that places like these needs to survive. Honestly!

Therefore, spending 500 INR for 2 people is justified. If you go to a modern café, a bill of 1000 INR for 2 is like a regular input to the billing system.

While I was having the food there, I saw a woman who probably came there after a long-time to pack her snacks. At the same time, I saw some aged-couples too who took a corner and enjoyed their Kobiraji. Outside, you will see some ‘office babus’ and local people, occupying a chair and having their regular dose of adda and snacks with tea or coffee. Yes, tea and coffee is also available here and they will customize the same for you as per your order.

Time : Everyday from 3 PM to 9 PM
Nearest Metro Station : Jatin Das Park
Payment Mode : Cash and UPI

Coming back real soon with a new blog!

In the interim, you might be interested to follow my Instagram handle or my Facebook Profile. Feel free to leave a honest feedback too, it will take less than a minute!

Note : 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘/𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕.

Email - foodiedibyajit@gmail.com

Blog and Image Courtesy : Foodie Dibyajit

Jalpan – A Hidden Gem in true sense

I know many people of Kolkata who crave for a plate of Chhole-Bhature and they frequently visit the branches of Haldiram’s or Bombay Shiv Sagar. Just today, one of my friends mentioned that he misses the Chhole-Bhature that he used to eat at Delhi.

I came to know of this place from Subhadeep Da who grew up in Bhowanipore area of Kolkata. Subha Da, beside being my mentor and ex-manager at Amazon, is a foodie & is also a former restaurant-owner and I take his suggestions very seriously.

Direction: If you get down at Netaji Bhavan Metro Station, cross the iCore Mall and take the second lane on the left side, walk for 800 meters through Chak Beria Road, take the right turn and walk for another one minute till you see a dingy, not-so-attractive shop called Jalpan. (Google Map Link)

History of Jalpan :

This place started functioning since 1980’s. A truck-driver who used to stay in the same location started this shop and after he passed away, his son took the responsibility of carrying the legacy forward. I forgot the name of the current owner (forgive me for that!) is a nice, friendly guy and he does not mind to chat with his customers, if he is not busy.

What will you get here?

Well, the answer is very short. It is Chhole-Bhature & Lassi. You can get some Dahi/Curd too if stocks last. There are no other items that they sell.

The Chhole-Bhature sells like hot cake at this place. The shop opens at 8 AM and is closed by 5 PM and the food is prepared fresh once an order is placed and served hot.

I’ve tried Chhole-Bhature from Delhi and also from other states too. This one is close to Delhi. The Bhature are fluffy and soft, the perfection that we look for when ordering this dish. The Chhole looks dashing, a thick-brownish gravy, enough chickpeas in it and the gravy has just the right amount of spices and masalas in it. The Chhole is spicy but it won’t be a problem for people who can’t stand spicy things. Don’t worry! It is served with the mandatory onion and pickle and you will also get a green chili if you ask for it.

Two pieces of Bhature and a full plate of Chhole comes at a price of just 50 INR. Beside this, you can also get a glass of Lassi, if at all you have some space left in your tummy after the platter. The curd is prepared at this place and they sell it separately too at a price of 200 INR/kg. You can also get a single piece of Bhature at an extra cost of around 7 to 8 INR.

This place is good for take-aways. If you want to eat there, there are two tables placed on the pavement which are most-likely not empty during rush hours.

I tried the food and after paying 50 INR, I told to myself that I haven’t got such a satisfaction after trying a street-food during the recent times! The taste will linger for sometime.

For people who are a fan of Chhole-Bhature and they are searching for some North-Indian style of the dish, should definitely try this and thank me later. This place is known to only genuine foodies and you’ll not be hearing much about this place from so-called “food-bloggers” of the city.

One last snap! ☝

 

Timing : This place operates from 8 AM to 5 PM on all days. However, morning sees a rush while the afternoon is a bit on the lighter side. If you are having this for breakfast, you won't require anything to eat till late afternoon. I went there for a brunch at around 3:30 PM and found the place to be almost empty.

You can contact this place at 8910912100 for any kind of queries. I heard that they do home deliveries to nearby areas. They do accept UPI payments along with cash.

Coming back real soon with a new blog!

In the interim, you might be interested to follow my Instagram handle or my Facebook Profile. Feel free to leave a honest feedback too, it will take less than a minute!

Note : 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘/𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕.

Email - foodiedibyajit@gmail.com

Blog and Image Courtesy : Foodie Dibyajit

Best Momos of Kolkata

 

Momo are now regarded as one of the popular streetfoods of India and you’ll find this dish all over the country. The scenario was not like this even 20 years back since the availability of authentic Momo was limited only at the hill stations. With immense popularity, this is now available almost in every lane of any city you can name. Not only in Kolkata but this particular dish is widely popular in almost all the states of the country and every state has their own recipe and their own way of serving the Momo. For example : The Momo of Delhi is usually served with the Momo Chutney and Mayonnaise. At Hyderabad, the Chutney is basically a raw paste of Red Chilies. 

For your information : There is nothing called "Momos" even though you mean "plural". It is always Momo, be it one or a hundred pieces. I get pissed off when I see people saying of writing "Momos".

In Kolkata, the journey of Momo started with The Blue Poppy by Doma Wang, who is also known as the “Momo Queen”. She is basically from the hills and she started off with her small restaurant in Sikkim House of Kolkata early in the 90s. Till date, the Momo of Blue Poppy are regarded as one of the bests in the city. Needless to say, they prepare authentic Momo. The Blue Poppy now got many branches all across the city and you can head straight towards any branch to taste their Momo. However, if you want to visit the oldest branch, check out the address here.

Coming to Suburban Road, which is also called the Momo Gali/Gully of Kolkata, you’ll find 4 or 5 restaurants selling Momo, however not all are great.

Tibetan Delight is famous and they prepare great momos but they mostly remain close during post-pandemic times. Momo Plaza is a restaurant where you will get other Chinese and Tibetan dishes too but the quality has gone down drastically and there are serious hygiene issues. Orchid is now unnecessarily costly since they pushed their shutters up after the renovation. There is no significant improvement in terms of taste, quality and quantity however, the price is way higher than the rest of the places around. Therefore, if it’s Momo Gully, my pick would be Hamro Momo (Location) which still serves the best Momo in this area at reasonable rates. 5 big pieces of Chicken/Pork/Veg Momo served with a bowl of piping hot clear soup, at just 90 INR onwards. If you’re someone who likes Pan Fried or Fried Momo, you can blindly order the same from this particular place.

Denzong Kitchen

This chain of restaurant do not only prepare Momo but are equally great with Chinese and Tibetan starters and main course dishes. The Steamed Momo and the Pan-Fried Momo from Denzong Kitchen is a must-try. You will find various branches of Denzong Kitchen all over the city, feel free to try the momos from any branch you come across. Very recently, they added a new variety in the form of Butter Garlic Prawn Momo. I had it and was blown away. Check the same below :

Fusion is very much in when it comes to food. Momo is also of no exception.

Fusion Momo are becoming very popular in Kolkata nowadays. Gondhoraj Momo (Kaffir Lime-flavored Momo) are too much popular which emerged with the hands of Leon’s, a take-away joint at Lake Gardens. They serve 8 pieces of jumbo-sized Momo along with a lime-flavored clear soup for just 99 INR. I personally like Steamed or Pan-fried Momo more than anything else but this momo has become a favorite one of mine. Check out the location here.

Hidden Gem & Special Mention :

One of the most important job of mine as a food-blogger is to find out new places and hidden gems. Be it a for a plate of Biryani or for a plate of Momo, the search is always on. Just like that, I found out a place months back which is known as Momo Circle. This place is near Tollygunge and you should definitely try the Momo from this place. Personally, I’m a huge fan of their Pan-fried Momo. You can try their Momo Platter which has a mix of steamed, fried and kothey momos. Check the location here.

Good to know : Kothe or Kothey is a Nepali term used for Momo and it means that a Momo will be half-fried and half-steamed. Usually, the Momo is placed on a pan after being steamed and the bottom comes out half-fried.

Momo I Am do not require any introduction since they are listed as one of the favorites among the Momo-lovers of the city. You should definitely visit any one of the branches and order a platter of Momo which will give you a variety of Chicken Momo, Chili-Basil Chicken Momo, Mushroom-Cheese Chicken Momo and Veg Momo. There are multiple branches all over the city and all are equally good.

Other Momos to try :

Jhol Momo from North-East Kitchen, Golpark (Location)

It is Jhol Momo and not called as Soupy Momo! Jhol Momo refers to momos drowned in a bowl of hot, soup and it is a popular version of Momo available in Nepal. Unlike other style of dumplings from around the world (Japanese Gyoza, Mongolian Buuz or Georgian Kinkhali), Nepali Momo have rich flavor of spices and a particular kick to them. I like this kind of Momo during the winter season since the jhol (soup) gives a warmth and the extra kick required during cold.

If you’re a Vegetarian, you can definitely visit Gingko near South City Mall, which will serve you with a variety of Veg Momo & dimsums at reasonable rates. You should definitely try their Cheese, Spinach and Water chestnuts Dimsum with chili oil, which is my personal favorite. While writing this blog, I remember that I haven’t visited this place off-late and I need to, very soon. Location of Gingko

As a Momo-lover like me says : You can never have too much of Momo.

There is one place which is a favorite of mine since childhood. This place is called Fresh N Up and it is at Golpark (just two steps from Aminia, Golpark!). Fresh N Up do not have a seating option or an AC, you can take a seat on the stools placed on the pavement or you can stand and finish the plate. This place was introduced to me by Didibhai and I simply love their Steamed and Pan-fried version. However, there is no pork available here. Check out the location here.

In case, you know about a special place in Kolkata for Momo, do let me know in the comments. I’ll definitely try it at the earliest. Till then, my search to find great Momo in the city will remain on and this blog will also get updated in a timely manner. 

Coming back real soon with a new blog!

In the interim, you might be interested to follow my Instagram handle or my Facebook Profile. Feel free to leave a honest feedback too, it will take less than a minute!

Note : 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘/𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕.

Email - foodiedibyajit@gmail.com

Blog and Image Courtesy : Foodie Dibyajit

The Uncrowned King of Kolkata Street Biryani

 

By now, each and every Bengali around me is a fan of Biryani.

To me, Biryani is of two types. One are those which we get on the streets, grab a plate, quickly finish it and walk off. Another one is the Biryani that we get at the restaurants. You walk in to a AC section, grab a seat, slowly and steadily complete your Biryani and you also try other Muglai delicacies too.

If I’m talking about the first type of Biryani – the streetstyle one, Khaza Biryani Center at Hazra is a hidden gem. Not many food bloggers covered this place till date though this road-side restaurant is there for almost last 40 years. My friend, Suman introduced me(and many para-friends) to Khaza Biryani long back (during 2005-06) and we used to have half plate of Chicken Biryani at just 30 INR/plate during that time.

The other day, I was talking with the owner of this place.

He mentioned :

We started selling biryani during a time when there was no concept of street-side biryani. When we started, a half plate of biryani (be it chicken or mutton!) used to come at just 10 bucks while a full plate was just for 12 bucks. Till date, we try to give the best ingredients but we are unable to get the best items from the market. Hence, we increase the price so that we can provide the best ingredients. The biryani masala is still prepared by us only, we do not buy it. If you come during the morning, you will see the whole spices are kept under the sun for a long time before they are hand-grinded. We sell almost 8-9 handis of Biryani a day.

Till few days back, we used to get both chicken and mutton biryanis at the same price. When I left for Hyderabad during 2013, I remember having a half-plate of Chicken Biryani for just 45 INR. When I came for a vacation during 2017, I had the same thing for 60 INR. Just two months back, it was 80 INR. I went back yesterday and found that the price is hiked by 10 rupees.

It is fine for me, still you are getting biryani under 100 INR and perhaps, one of the bests that you’ll get from the street-side section without compromising on quality. At the same time, they renovated the interiors too.

Here, you’ll get two seating options. On the pavements, you will see some red plastic tables and chair placed and if you’re lucky, you can also grab a seat inside though the stools are very less in number. Ask for your biryani, you’ll get it in less than a minute and every time, you’ll get the biryani hot.

The biryani is just the way I like it – long grains of Basmati rice, the perfect mix of white and yellow rice, not much usage of dalda or food color or meetha ittar, a perfectly boiled potato with all the masalas getting inside it, a perfectly-prepared piece of meat and enough rice to satisfy the hunger. Add 10 INR extra and you’ll get an egg with the half plate while the full plate has an egg by default. All these are topped with fresh onions and a green chili. Ohhh, wow!

Few notes about this place :

1. They remain open from 12.30 PM to 10.30 PM
2. You can opt for take-away too but while you’re waiting for your order to be packed, do not hesitate to try their Chicken Roll. They make it perfect.
3. You can also order from their wide range of kebabs, which are freshly made. Each full plate of kebabs has 16 pieces while a half plate has 8 pieces.
4. They’ll be happy if you give cash payment but you can also opt for UPI
5. There is no need to provide a tip to the waiters, they get offended.
6. If you like Chicken Chanp with your biryani, get one plate for 80 INR.

Just a stone-throw distance away, you’ll see Tufani Biryani selling Biryani at the same price. They got some name and fame recently and if you want to try their biryani, I have a secret for you!

Take half-plate of biryani from Khaza Biryani and take another half plate from Tufani Biryani. You’ll be understanding the difference and hence, it will be easy for you to provide a rating between the two. If you ask for my rating, I will give 4/5 stars to Khaza Biryani and 3.5/5 stars to Tufani Biryani. I found that they give a meat piece which is cooked in a gravy and I do not like that personally. Check the snap below :

                                                                                  Tufani Biryani

Direction : Get down at Hazra Moore, ask any one for Pathfinder or Hazra-Khidderpore Auto Stand and you will find Khaza Biryani standing proudly at the junction of two lanes. The lane is called Sadananda Road which heads toward Kalighat and Rashbehari Avenue.

Google Map Location : https://goo.gl/maps/fPzziNFXAr6Kh7K59

Coming back real soon with a new blog!

In the interim, you might be interested to follow my Instagram handle or my Facebook Profile. Feel free to leave a honest feedback too, it will take less than a minute!

Note : 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘/𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕.

Email - foodiedibyajit@gmail.com

Blog and Image Courtesy : Foodie Dibyajit

Mandal Snacks – Manicktala

It was a sudden plan to visit Manicktala and it is not required to mention that I went there after getting some news about hidden gems. I am fond of chops and cutlets. Just beside Chhaya Cinema Hall of Manicktala, I found a hidden gem selling these chops and cutlets since last 60 years. 

Basically, this is a shop which has no shutter. Just few cupboards fixed on the wall but serving hot and fresh cutlets and chops to their customers.

I was having a talk with the current owner, Laalkomol Da. He is a very decent guy, with a smile on this face every time.

He mentioned :

This shop started 60 years back. My grandfather started it, then my father took the responsibility and now, I am looking after this shop. We do not write the name of the shop anywhere because people know it as Mondal Snacks and we are very popular in this area.

The whole point is to provide quality snacks to every customer, be it old or now and we sell the items at the cheapest price in and around Manicktala.

He was right. I did not find any signboard and neither I found a snacks bar which is cheaper than this, at least in this area. They mostly sell non-veg snacks but also kept few veg snacks. Let’s check the menu below :

After going through the whole menu, I carefully decided to try one item each which will have a fish, an egg and chicken so that I can compare the quality. Hence, the first order was a Chicken Breast Cutlet which came for 35 INR.

The Chicken Cutlet was fried once I placed the order, hence it was served hot along with some freshly-cut salad and the quintessential Kashundi, also known as mustard sauce. Oh man! is the first expression I had after having the first bite because I was not expecting this quality, to be honest, at just 35 INR. The coating was neither too thick nor too thin but the filling was great. I finished this in no time and ordered an Egg Chop.

This was even better! They use half an egg but the potato coating along with the egg, which is used as the filling is simply brilliant and it shows the expertise in terms of the taste. A brilliant deal at just 10 INR/piece. Here also, the coating was neither too thick nor too thin but the filling nailed it all.

It’s time to have some fish. I was alone and thought of having something not to heavy after the Chicken Cutlet and the Egg Chop. Hence, ordered a Fish Finger. 20 INR/piece. Are you thinking that they offer Basa for their fish items? You are wrong! I was also surprised to see fresh and pure Bhetki to be used for all the fish items. I was curious and even asked Laalkomol Da about the fish.

He replied brilliantly :

If someone is using Basa as a fish for snacks, half of the taste is gone for a toss there itself. You are cheating if you’re not using Bhetki. We will never be using any other fish, if it is for snacks. That is why, you will not see items like ” Chingri’r Chop (Prawn Chops) or anything else in the menu.

I was impressed with the straight-forwardness and the honesty. There are still few businessmen in this city who looks after taste to give the best customer satisfaction rather than the sales volume which is money. I was ordering these things one by one and Laalkomol Da was enquiring “Kemon laglo? Ar ki khabe bolo?“

By now, I was full. Laalkomol asked me to try a Fish Butter Fry since it is one of the best-selling items. I politely replied back that there is always something for the next time. I will surely bring my friends to this place. This hidden gem should be known to all. I have fixed my menu too for the next time : a Fish Butter Fry (definitely!), a Fried Chicken, a Mochar Chop/ Veg Chop and Egg Devil. Even if you have one item from veg, chicken, fish and chicken section, it will not cost you more than 110 INR. Check out the snap below :

Things to know :

1. This snacks bar is located just beside Chhaya Cinema of Manicktala Junction and just beside Chhaya Chanachur.

2. The shop remains open on all days from 4 PM to 10 PM.

3. You may politely ask for a permission before taking snaps or videos and I’m sure that you will not be denied.

4. Take-away is available but it is better to have the items hot.

5. Only cash payment is available.

6. Nearest Metro Station is Girish Park.

For location, check out Google Map (I was also a bit surprised to see that I was the first reviewer of this place on Google Local Guides!)

Coming back real soon with a new blog!

In the interim, you might be interested to follow my Instagram handle or my Facebook Profile. Feel free to leave a honest feedback too, it will take less than a minute!

Note : 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘/𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕.

Email - foodiedibyajit@gmail.com

Blog and Image Courtesy : Foodie Dibyajit

The Great Phuchka of Manicktala

 It is for all Bengalis that they like to call it Phuchka instead of Pani Puri or Golgappa or Gupchup. The one we get at Kolkata is different from the rest that we get in India. I am from South Kolkata and I do gorge on some Phuchkas very often. I prefer to try from various shops instead of just sticking to only one. I believe, each and every Phuchka-sellers in this city is unique and they have their own way to mix the masalas or to use the ingredients. Even, the “tok jol”, or the “pani” is also different.

However, the Phuchka of North Kolkata is different and better than that of South Kolkata. I am not sure of the differences but yes, they have some special masala powders which they use and the way of preparing the “tok jol” is also different.

Adi is known to you as one of the best guitarists that we have in India.

However, I know him as a foodie too. He often suggests me few places in Kolkata and never-ever I found those suggestions to not be worthy. This Phuchka was also suggested by him and I headed towards this Phuchka stall at Manicktala.

If you can locate Chhaya Cinema of Manicktala, you will find two Phuchka stalls just in front of the hall gate. These two are brothers who have been in the business since long and they both are equally popular. To avoid the queue, I opted the stall of Radhe who is popularly known as Shahrukh too.

This guy has very busy and swift hands. While he was preparing the masala, I asked him few questions and he replied back in a polite manner :

Radhe/Shahrukh says :

This stall is there in this exact location since last 50 years. This was started by my father and during that time, me and my brother used to help him. Later, my father become ill and he asked gave us two stalls – one for me and one for my brother. This was 20 years back.

The popularity increased day by day, mainly because of the people who came to watch movies in this hall. During Durga Puja, I sell almost around 2500 pieces of Phuchka too.

There is no secret behind the taste. I just make it a point that I am using quality ingredients . I make a masala at home using 6 other ingredients and that makes a lot of difference.

I had the first Phuchka and I am blown away, literally.

I could immediately understand the difference in taste between the Phuchkas of North Kolkata and South Kolkata. I could understand why Adi suggested this! Each and every ingredient and masalas are mixed perfectly, the balance is absolutely wow and the Phuchka, it is crunchy. The “pani” or the “tok jol” has a burst of flavors too.

I ended up having 8 pieces against a total of just 20 INR.

I made up my mind that I need to come back to this place real soon.

=================================================================================

Few food remains for long! Correct me if I am wrong.

=================================================================================

Radhe’s Phuchka is available on all days from 4 PM to 10 PM.

Expect a queue because of the popularity but again, it won’t take long.

Coming back real soon with a new blog!

In the interim, you might be interested to follow my Instagram handle or my Facebook Profile. Feel free to leave a honest feedback too, it will take less than a minute!

Note : 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘/𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕.

Email - foodiedibyajit@gmail.com

Blog and Image Courtesy : Foodie Dibyajit

Must try from the streets of Kolkata : All under 10 INR

 We all love street food, isn't it? India is a country where you will find streetfoods at a nominal price, be it in any state. However, I feel the variety is much more at Kolkata, a place which is specifically known for this wide range of streetfoods. How many of you thought that you can have a breakfast or an evening snack from the streets of Kolkata at just 10 INR? 

Here is a list of the items that you must try if you are in Kolkata. All items are within 10 INR.
If I forget something, feel free to comment.

1. Phuchka

If you're in Kolkata, this is a must-try. I have not seen anyone leaving this city without tasting one.
In most of the places all around the city, you will be getting 4 pieces of Phuchka at just 10 INR, however you might also get more if you are having it from the suburbs or from a local vendor.

2. Churmur

This is another snack in the form of a chaat, known as Churmur. This is prepared with potatoes mixed with the flakes of a phuchka or a papri, added with other masalas and ingredients. This is available with all the vendors selling Phuchka and it won't cost you more than 10 INR generally.

3. Kochuri/Kachori with Alu Torkari/Sabzi

 This is regarded as a popular breakfast option in Kolkata and in all parts of Bengal. If you're outside Bengal, you will need to pronounce this as "Kachori" instead of the usual Bengali pronunciation of "Kochuri". These are flatbreads, mixed with Hing or Asafoedita and is usually served with Chholar Dal  (Chickpea Lentil) or Alur Torkari(Potato Curry). Ideally, for 10 INR, you will be getting 2 pieces, that is 5 INR per piece and you are free to have as many as you want. It is not only limited to just 2 pieces.

4. Chana Chaat or Chhola Makha

Chana Chaat or Chhola Makha(as we Bengalis fondly call it!) is another great option for an evening snack, a bit on the healthier side. Most of the vendors sell only Chhola Makha and no other items and are available all over the city. At just 10 INR!

5. Dum Aloo

This is one of my favorite's! This is mostly available with all the Phuchka vendors and is one of the tastiest things available on the streets of Kolkata. Boiled potatoes cooked in a dry gravy at home, served with masalas and chopped coriander, green chilies and a hint of tamarind pulp. Also, do not forget to ask them for some "Bhaja Moshla", that takes this whole thing to the  next level. Ideally, you will get it for 10 INR but at some places, the price varies and can go up to 30 INR/plate.

6. Daal Pakora

Since afternoon, you will find the city flooded with vendors selling Daal Pakora or as we call it, Daal Bora. This is a fritter of Masur Daal, which is pasted with other ingredients, deep fried in oil and then served with a tasty chutney which is prepared using ginger, tomato, garlic and other ingredients. 
All for 10 INR! If even, if it is a walk or the belly asking for a quick "something", this one is perhaps one of the greatest and yet the most popular options available.

7. Jhaal Muri

Jhaal Muri or Masala Muri is by far, the most popular snack of West Bengal. Be it on the streets of the Kolkata or at a local train in the suburbs, you will find Jhaal Muri everywhere. I have specific vendors to have Jhaal Muri from and I take this snack very seriously. This is basically puffed rice mixed with a hell lot of ingredients like onion, chili, potato, tomato, nuts, mixtures and tamarind/lime juice/pickle and definitely, homemade masalas. The price starts from 10 INR in most of the places and can go up to 30 INR too for a special one or from a famous vendor.

8. Alu Kabli 

Last but not the least, Alu Kabli is another popular snack from the street-food section of the city and is a must-try. This is also available mostly with all the vendors selling Phuchka and the the ingredients are all same like that of a Churmur, except the phuchka flakes. Do not miss it!

 I know you are thinking of Alu Chop and the other fritters, however I feel you can't just have only one. If it's not one fritter and if you add puffed rice with it, the price usually does not fit with in 10 INR. Also, Ghoti Gorom is missing since I do not have a good picture of the same.

If you can remember something that I have missed, feel free to let me know. I will add it with proper credits!

Coming back real soon with a new blog!

In the interim, you might be interested to follow my Instagram handle or my Facebook Profile. Feel free to leave a honest feedback too, it will take less than a minute!

Note : 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘/𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕.

Email - foodiedibyajit@gmail.com

Blog and Image Courtesy : Foodie Dibyajit